Cross and Crescent Flag

This flag features a traditional Orthodox three-bar cross with a crescent moon and the letters IC XC NIKA, "Jesus Christ Conquers." This was a symbol of the Byzantine Empire, functionally similar to the double-headed eagle before the eagle came to prominence in the 10th-11th centuries. It came into widespread use in Russia and throughout the Orthodox world.

According to Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, the crescent moon itself was an ancient symbol of the Roman and Byzantine Empire, having been depicted on ancient Roman coins even before Christ; it was a symbol of power. (It was not until the fall of Constantinople that the Ottomans appropriated the crescent moon symbol for themselves, seeing their empire as the continuation, in a sense, of the Byzantine state.) The crescent moon is found on ancient Orthodox icons, vestments, and manuscripts. The cross and the crescent moon together create a shape reminiscent of an anchor, a symbol of salvation and of the Church as a ship.

This Legacy Icons exclusive flag is 3x5 feet (about 90x150 cm) in size. It features a double hemmed fly and a very sturdy reinforced hoist with metal grommets.